The Caernarfon Coastguard helicopter winched the woman from the mountain. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A walker was winched from a Snowdonia mountain after injuring herself when she slipped.

A Coastguard helicopter flew to the scene on Cadair Idris after initially being called away to a more urgent incident.

Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team was alerted about 7pm on Saturday when ambulance staff requested its help.

A team spokesperson said: “The woman had set out on the mountain alone, but had joined other walkers along the way.

“On her descent from Mynydd Moel she slipped and badly twisted her ankle, an injury leaving her unable to walk. Some of the group of walkers stayed with the casualty while others made their way off the mountain to raise the alarm.

“A Welsh Ambulance Service crew had made their way up the Minffordd steps to reach the injured woman and the injury was splinted and pain relief was being administered as team volunteers arrived on scene.

“Given the difficulties of moving a stretcher down the steps, along with the rapidly failing daylight, a request was made for the assistance of the Coastguard helicopter R936. The aircraft request was granted, but shortly afterwards it was tasked to a higher priority incident, and so team volunteers began to prepare for the stretcher carry off the mountain.

“The situation changed once again, and the aircraft was re-tasked to this rescue and arrived on scene shortly afterwards. The casualty was winched aboard and flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd for further assessment and treatment.”

The rescue ended at 10pm.